The 22nd annual Baseball Festival will be held Thursday through Sunday at Jones Park in Fort Atkinson.
The event, sponsored by Rock River Lanes, will feature seven baseball games, a carnival midway as well as a wide variety of delicious food and cold drinks — including $1 cans of beer.
“The Generals are looking forward to hosting Baseball Fest once again,” said Josh Smith, president of the Generals’ Board of Directors. “We’re excited to welcome baseball fans to Fort Atkinson and hope everyone enjoys the many family friendly activities we have planned.
“We’re very thankful for all the support we receive from our main sponsor Rock River Lanes. We wouldn’t be able to host Baseball Fest without the generosity we’ve received from Nate and Nicole Pfeifer. We also receive help from numerous charities and local organizations that fundraise for worthy causes,” Smith added. “Plus, the extra assistance we receive from the Fort Atkinson Parks & Recreation Department is essential to this annual event at beautiful Jones Park. We are very grateful for all that the Park & Rec crews do to make Baseball Fest a spectacular event.”
On Thursday, Christman Amusements will open its carnival from 5:30 to 11 p.m. The midway includes several rides, games and food. On the baseball diamond, the Fort Atkinson Generals will play a Home Talent Night League game against the rival Jefferson Blue Devils. The game begins at 6:15 p.m., and the consolation finals of the 42nd Annual Fort Generals Tournament will follow at 8:30 p.m.
On Friday, the Fort Generals Tournament championship game will be played at 6:15 p.m. and the third-place game will follow at 8:30 p.m. The carnival will be open for business Friday from 5:30 p.m. to 11 p.m. And from 7:30 to 11 p.m., karaoke and music will be supplied by Music 4 U in the entertainment tent.
Saturday features a full day of activities beginning with a Run, Pitch and Hit program. All children ages 7-13 are welcome to participate in this program, free of charge. Check in begins at 7:30 a.m., and the activity begins at 8 a.m. For additional details or to pre-register, email troy.enger@yahoo.com.
The Jefferson County Sheriff’s Department will present a K-9 Unit Demonstration at 10 a.m. What’s more, there will be a bags tournament Saturday morning. Those interested in competing should arrive with a partner at 10:30 a.m. for check-in and registration. The competition is $20 to enter with 100% payout. Play begins at 11 a.m. The carnival will be open from 11:30 a.m. to 11 p.m.
On the diamond, a game featuring players from Fort Youth Baseball will take place at 11 a.m., and the Fort Atkinson Teeners will play at 1 p.m. The annual Battle of the Badge softball game will follow at 3:30 p.m. The Mike Stevens Memorial Home Run Derby, featuring players from the Home Talent League and surrounding area, will get under way at 5:30 p.m. To round out the evening, Benign Addiction will play classic rock and other hits under the entertainment tent from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m.
Baseball Fest concludes Sunday. The Fort Atkinson Generals announced an update to their schedule. They will now play a doubleheader versus the Cambridge Blues with a new start time at noon. The carnival will run from 11:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.
The Fort Atkinson Generals will be operating their concession stand throughout Baseball Fest, offering hamburgers, brats, hot dogs, popcorn, chips, nachos, candy and frozen treats. Cold drinks, including beer, soft drinks and water will also be available. Anyone who chooses to drink alcohol will be required to show an I.D. and purchase a wristband for $1. Proceeds from wristband sales directly benefit local volunteers and organizations.
In addition to the Generals’ concession stand, Big Ass Wraps will return to Baseball Fest. The food truck has a diverse menu of wraps and sides. Frostie Freeze will also have a stand open at the park, serving ice cream and other cold treats. Wicked Smoke will serve a variety of barbecue dishes. La Morenita will serve tacos and additional Mexican cuisine. Kids and adults, alike, can visit the Painted Faces booth and enjoy creative face painting art.
As a prelude to Baseball Fest, the Generals will also be providing full concessions for the monthly Classic Car Show at Jones Park on Monday, June 10.
A complete schedule of activities is available at www.FortGenerals.com and www.Facebook.com/FortGenerals. Baseball Fest attendees are encouraged to visit the team’s Facebook page for updates in the event of inclement weather.
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